Mauna Kea Resort Vacation Rentals & Villas

Mauna Kea Resort Vacation Rentals & Villas

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Welcome to Mauna Kea on the Big Island

The Mauna Kea Resort is located at the upper end of the Big Island of Hawaii's Kohala Coast. The resort is know for its famous hotel and villas and is one of the first resort areas on the Big Island to be developed.

The Mauna Kea Resort's Blueblood Origin Story

The story is that in the 1960s, Laurance S. Rockefeller searched for the perfect spot to build his design-trend-setting resort. He picked the location of the Mauna Kea hotel because of the beach there, one of the few sandy beaches located on the lava-rock-dominated Kohala Coast. The hotel and golf course were built, and the Mauna Kea Resort was born. This event led to further development down the coast. However, for many, Mauna Kea still holds the magic. 

The hotel has stood the test of time and is said to have kicked off the open-air, tropical hotel design commonly found in Hawaii that makes use of natural trade winds to keep refreshing breezes flowing through the property. The Mauna Kea Hotel is a fabulous asset for the Big Island, with golf and stunning ocean and mountain (volcano) views.

Thankfully, for families and others looking for a more private experience with the benefit of resort amenities, there are now plenty of vacation villas available in Mauna Kea. The homes range from classic mid-century style homes to luxury condos. The properties are elevated and offer ocean views, as well as fabulous private amenities such as pools, covered barbecue areas, and manicured lawns.

Access to Mauna Kea Hotel Beach Club

A big perk is for guests renting villas is the ability to purchase rights to the Mauna Kea Hotel's beach club, offering a full-service beach experience. While the beach is public, it gets busy and those staying in a villa in the Mauna Kea Resort can benefit from a pass that ensure access to the sand!

If you and your family want the privacy of a vacation home, easy access to a sandy beach on your Hawaiian vacation, and resort perks, consider a stay at one of Exotic Estates Mauna Kea Villas. The homes are professionally managed and offer ocean or golf-course views.  

Fly Into Kailua-Kona Airport 

Mauna Kea is a quiet, refined resort community dominated by a world-class beach, golf course, fabulous villas, condos, and the Mauna Kea Hotel. The resort is located above and below Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway. Above you will find the Waiulaula and Fairways North. These homes and condos are higher up on the mountain slope, allowing for fabulous views from mountains to the palm-fringed blue Pacific.

Shopping for Groceries

Shopping is available at the shopping centers in Mauna Lani resort, about 15 minutes south. There is also a supermarket for stocking up on groceries during your stay.

You can reach Mauna Kea Resort by driving about one hour north of Kailua-Kona International Airport, which is served directly from the U.S. Mainland by several airlines. Reaching Mauna Kea from the West Coast has never been easier!

Check out our gorgeous homes, including a video showcasing one of our Villa Specialists touring our Big Island villas.

Top rated rentals — Mauna Kea Resort

See what past guests have to say.
Mauna Kea Resort Bluffs 22 - The Beach House
Mauna Kea Resort Bluffs 22 - The Beach House
5
10· 4·Ocean View, Pool, Hot Tub
Unforgettable Holiday
What an unforgettable holiday here in this beautiful home and grounds - truly a slice of heaven! One special memory for me is playing duets on the beautiful piano with my sister-in-law. The location couldn't be more perfect - an easy walk to the beach. Thank you for this time of rest and renewal.
Jan & Mary
2022 Stay
Fairways South 15 at Mauna Kea
Fairways South 15 at Mauna Kea
5
10· 4·Ocean View, Pool, Hot Tub
Stayed in this great house!
Stayed in this great house with extended family while we were on the Big Island for a family members wedding at the Mauna Kea Resort Hotel. This property was great that we had more space to relax as a family while being a very short to the resort hotel where we were still able to take advantage of the amenities. Really enjoyed our stay.
Anonymous Guest
2022 Stay
Kauna’oa 25 | Mauna Kea
Kauna’oa 25 | Mauna Kea
5
10· 5·Ocean View, Mobility Friendly, Pool, Hot Tub
Beautiful house
The house is everything that the website shows; 7 of us had a perfect time. The house was impeccable when we arrived and greeted by a great host. The team immediately responded if we had any questions or requests. My highest recommendation to this organization
Philip A.
Seattle, WA
5BD Estate Home at Mauna Kea Resort
5BD Estate Home at Mauna Kea Resort
5
10· 5·Ocean View, Pool
Remarkable Property and A+ Experience!
We had the most wonderful stay at your remarkable property! We celebrated Spring Break 2023 with my son and his roommates! We kicked off March Madness and spent endless hours at the pool and relaxing. The kitchen was perfectly equipped and the bedrooms... A+. We will be back! Huge thank you to "Captain and Mango" (Landscaping Team) who made us roses from palm fronds and brought us fresh poke! Mahalo!
Beth M.
2023 Stay

Mauna Kea Resort Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Mauna Kea vacation rentals.
Do you get resort privileges with your Mauna Kea vacation rental?

When you rent a vacation home in the Mauna Kea Resort, you are able to opt into resort amenities for a daily fee that gives you priority access to the serviced beach at Mauna Kea with towels, chairs, and umbrellas. You also get access to two fitness centers, entry cards for parking areas, and charging privileges for ease of use at resort restaurants, retail shops, and activities. You can also access two Golf Courses and the Seaside Tennis Club at special guest rates. The daily flat fee is calculated based on the number of rooms in the home you are renting and must be opted into for the duration of your stay.

How much are your vacation homes in Mauna Kea?

The price depends very much on the home rented and the time of the year. Our Mauna Kea vacation rentals range from around $500 per night during slower periods for certain condo rentals to over $12,000 per night, before taxes and fees, for large oceanfront villas during peak periods.

Do I have to worry about volcano eruptions on the Big Island?

No. Unless you stay in the zone immediately around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the southern flank of the island, you are not at risk of being impacted by volcanic activity. Kona and the resorts along the Kohala Coast are about 100 miles away from Kilauea Volcano. The most you will have to deal with is VOG, a sort of haze caused by eruption-related gases that can sometimes blow in. VOG can impact all islands. Rather, Kilauea Volcano and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offer a rare opportunity to safely witness an incredible geological wonder and learn more about Native Hawaiian identity and traditions.

Some information about Mauna Kea Resort

Did you know...
One of the only sandy beaches along the Kohala Coast.
The gorgeous beach at Mauna Kea is one of the resort's biggest draws. It's full-service and comes with towels, lounge chairs, and umbrellas.
Enjoy the spa at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
The Mauna Kea Resort has the Spa services available in luxury hotels to guests renting in the resort.
Opt-in Charging Privileges
You can opt into beach services, gym access, and charging privileges on the resort and enjoy guest rates as golf course and tennis centers.

Mauna Kea Resort offers world-class recreation activities

The Mauna Kea Resort is an upscale resort destination on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, allowing access to many activities!